Page 58 of Laws of Love
“Yeah, we can do that,” he responded.
He rearranged her bike and loaded his and Yasmine’s. He’d left her single seat unobstructed, and Aiva took Yasmine to the backdoor. She lifted the seat and helped the child in, buckling her up.
The trunk closed as she slipped behind the wheel. When Knox got in and they were all situated, she drove toward their condo. The drive was short, and she found a parking spot close to the entry.
Bikes unloaded, and Aiva, holding on to Yasmine’s protective gear, the three went to the condo. Knox put both bikes away while Yasmine took her pads and helmet and skipped to her room to put them up.
She returned a few minutes later, and the three exited the condo. They were taking Knox’s vehicle, and Aiva made a pit stop at hers to grab her purse.
“Will you fasten me in?” Yasmine asked when she returned to the two.
“I sure will.”
Once Yasmine was securely fastened into her booster seat, Knox opened the passenger door for her, and Aiva slid in. A few seconds later, they were on their way.
“The only places I can think of that have play areas, aside from Chuck E. Cheese, are fast-food places,” Knox stated when they’d been driving for a few minutes.
“I’m fine with that,” Aiva responded.
“Chick-fil-A has a play area,” Yasmine piped up from the back.
“That sounds perfect, Yasmine,” Aiva agreed.
“Chick-fil-A it is,” Knox responded.
Knox sat on the bench beside Aiva as they watched Yasmine play with the other kids in the play area. They’d had their lunch, promising ice cream for dessert after she finished playing.
“Yasmine tells me you told her we went on adult playdates.”
Knox looked at Aiva to find her smirking, and he chuckled. “I told her we went on a few dates, and she asked if those were like adult playdates. It seemed easier to agree than to explain the difference.”
“She isn’t wrong. They are playdates for adults.”
Knox leaned down, placing his lips to her ear. “I don’t recall playing with you yet.” He placed a kiss below her ear, and she elbowed him lightly.
“You like picking on me,” Aiva responded with a pout.
He dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “Don’t pout, gorgeous, and trust me. I wasn’t picking on you.” He gave her another peck before pulling away.
Knox turned his attention back to the playing kids and located Yasmine running across the bridge that connected two of the play pieces, three other kids behind her.
“She told me you like me.”
“She isn’t wrong.”
It was quiet between them for a second, and he felt her shift, turning her body towards him.
“Knox, I want to tell you something, but I in no way want you to think I’m trying to overstep or tell you how to parent.”
He pulled his focus from the play set to give her his attention. “Okay, what is it?”
“Yasmine and I were talking while I was pushing her on the swing. I know you said she’s adjusting well, but she said something about how Mia wasn’t always nice and got really quiet. I can tell you from experience that kids in these situations don’t always say what they’re thinking, but they know more than they let on.”
Knox took her hand in his, kissing the back of it. “Thank you, baby. I don’t feel you’re overstepping. I’ll talk to her. I don’t want her to feel like she can’t talk to me, but I’m glad she felt comfortable enough to say something in passing to you. She’s a smart girl, so I’m not surprised if she’s picked up on something she shouldn’t have.”
“Is Yasmine excited to spend Mother’s Day with Mia?” Aiva questioned, shifting the conversation.
“I think so. It’s the first full weekend they’ll be spending together since the new arrangement. Mia was supposed to get her on two other occasions, one being this past week for a couple of days of spring break, but had to reschedule. I’m hoping she doesn’t ask to choose another date again.”
